Burl Audio
Burl Audio B80 Mothership 3
Best premium audio conversion for discerning professional recording studios.
The Burl Audio B80 Mothership 3 is a highly configurable 80-channel AD/DA converter designed for professional audio applications. It features a robust 4U chassis with 10 card slots, allowing for a custom setup of 2, 4, or 8-channel analog cards. Each channel boasts B2 quality signal path, with proprietary BX1 transformers on AD channels and the BOPA2 discrete op-amp on DAC channels. Digital connectivity is managed by swappable motherboards, including options for DigiLink, MADI, and Dante, enabling seamless integration with various digital audio workstations and devices. The BURL BackBone ensures high bandwidth and power delivery, while the BP300 power supply provides ample power for all analog circuitry.
$2895.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 663
#7 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking a classic, tape-like sound for their productions.
- Professional studios needing adaptable I/O solutions for diverse projects.
- Mastering engineers demanding the highest fidelity and sonic accuracy.
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners or budget-conscious producers.
- Beginners or those preferring plug-and-play audio interfaces.
- Purists who prefer an entirely uncolored and transparent signal path.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Proprietary transformers and discrete op-amps deliver unmatched analog warmth and depth.
System Scalability
Ten modular slots allow for extensive, custom-tailored I/O configurations.
Connectivity Versatility
Swappable motherboards ensure seamless integration with Dante, MADI, or DigiLink ecosystems.
Build Integrity
A robust 4U chassis designed to withstand the rigors of professional studios.
Power Stability
The BP300 supply provides clean, consistent voltage for high-fidelity analog circuitry.
Clocking Precision
Integrated word clock distribution maintains rock-solid synchronization across complex digital setups.
Key Specs
4U main chassis
Configurable with BMB1 (DigiLink) or BMB2 (MADI) motherboard
1 BNC Word Clock In
2 BNC Word Clock Out
10 card slots (accepts AD/DA and BCLK cards)
Available analog cards
2, 4, and 8 channel AD/DA
BAD4
4-Channel ADC Card (44.1k Hz to 192k Hz, 24 bit)
BAD8
8-Channel ADC Card (44.1k Hz to 192k Hz, 24 bit)
Features
- Highly configurable 80-channel AD/DA conversion
- Choice of DigiLink, MADI, or Dante digital connectivity
- Proprietary BURL AUDIO transformers and discrete op-amps
- High bandwidth BURL BackBone for superior throughput
- Robust 4U chassis with easy card installation
- Integrated word clock distribution
- Low latency performance
- Bridge between analog and digital audio
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Burl Audio B80 Mothership 3 for its exceptional sonic purity and robust, reliable performance. Users frequently highlight the converters' ability to capture audio with unparalleled depth and clarity, often describing a noticeable improvement in their recordings' warmth and analog like character. The system's consistent operation and solid build quality also contribute to a highly positive user experience, making it a trusted centerpiece in professional studios.
Know before you buy
The B80 Mothership 3 features 10 card slots, allowing you to configure up to 80 channels of AD/DA conversion depending on the specific cards you choose.
Yes, the digital connectivity is managed by swappable motherboards. You can switch between DigiLink, MADI, or Dante options to integrate the unit into different studio environments as your needs evolve.
BAD cards are Analog-to-Digital converters designed for recording, while BDA cards are Digital-to-Analog converters used for monitoring and outboard processing. You can mix and match these cards in the 10 available slots to create a custom I/O configuration.
The unit comes with the BP300 power supply, which is designed to provide 300 watts of continuous power with dedicated +/- 24 volt rails to ensure stable performance for all analog circuitry.
Absolutely. With its 80-channel capacity, high-bandwidth BURL BackBone, and professional-grade transformer-coupled signal path, it is specifically engineered for high-end tracking and mixing environments.
Yes, the BCLK Word Clock card provides 9 word clock outputs—8 BNC and 1 AES—allowing you to distribute a stable, high-quality clock signal to your other digital hardware.
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$2895